Cardiovascular disease has long been one of the leading causes of death worldwide. As the disease’s onset and an aging population become more prevalent, preventive measures to combat health-threatening conditions are being developed. In this context, bioactive compounds such as lycopene are receiving increasing attention.
Lycopene is a specific compound from the carotenoid group, recognizable by its vibrant color found in fruits such as tomatoes, watermelon, papaya, red grapefruit, and guava. While it can be combined with other carotenoids, it cannot combine with provitamin A. Lycopene possesses several biological functions that make it useful for preventing lifestyle-related diseases. Its ability to neutralize free radicals provides powerful antioxidant effects, in addition to offering anti-inflammatory benefits and promoting vascular health—specifically, supporting the blood vessels and blood drainage. Protecting the endothelium is a vital first step in preventing heart disease, making lycopene’s role crucial.
It is important to note that lycopene is a lipophilic compound, meaning it is more easily absorbed in the presence of fats. It is effectively absorbed from heat-processed foods, such as tomato puree or paste, where it is released from the cell matrix into a more digestible form. This suggests that both fresh and processed foods can significantly contribute to heart health.
The effectiveness of lycopene for cardiovascular health has been supported by several studies, including a clinical trial conducted by Gajendragadkar. This study involved seventy-two participants who had been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, while a second group included healthy volunteers. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: one group received a daily supplement of 7 mg of lycopene for eight weeks, while the other group received a placebo. The study was double-blind, meaning neither the participants nor the researchers knew who received the active supplement and who received the placebo, thereby enhancing the credibility of the results. The goal was to assess the effect of lycopene supplementation on vascular endothelial function, measured through a specialized forearm plethysmographic study that tracks changes in blood flow in response to vasodilators like acetylcholine.
The results indicated that lycopene supplementation significantly enhanced the vascular response in individuals with circulatory system disorders, showing a 53% increase compared to the placebo group. Importantly, this effect was independent of classic risk factors such as energy expenditure, lipid profiles, or inflammatory markers. In contrast, the healthy volunteers did not exhibit any such changes, suggesting that the benefits of lycopene are primarily observed in individuals with existing vascular issues.
Overall, the findings demonstrate that lycopene may be a valuable dietary component for maintaining healthy circulatory system function. Its special benefits may be particularly pronounced in at-risk individuals, such as the elderly, those with excess body weight, or those with unhealthy lifestyle habits. Incorporating lycopene into the diet—either by consuming lycopene-rich foods or through supplementation—can contribute positively to a healthy lifestyle.
Based on : Gajendragadkar PR, Hubsch A, Ma¨ki-Peta¨ja¨ KM, Serg M, Wilkinson IB, et al. (2014) Effects of Oral Lycopene Supplementation on Vascular Function in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease and Healthy Volunteers: A Randomised Controlled Trial. PLoS ONE 9(6): e99070. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0099070
